Teeth whitening systems have become very popular over the past few decades. Over the course of an adult lifetime, many environmental and dietary factors can alter the coloring on one's teeth enamel. The most serious teeth-staining culprits are tobacco and coffee. In order to combat enamel discoloration, dentists and companies specializing in dental supplies have developed various teeth whitening systems. Most of these systems include tooth bleach.

Teeth bleach usually comes in the form of a gel or viscous liquid that can be applied to the teeth for a period of time lasting anywhere from just a few moments to several hours. While the solution coats the teeth, it slowly lifts the stains that have been caused by years of exposure to certain foods, beverages, and chemicals that are found in things like cigars, cigarettes, and sodas. When the solution is removed from the teeth, the teeth are less stained and a lighter shade of white. Teeth whitening is almost always a purely cosmetic procedure.

There are many different kinds of teeth whitenings systems that have a wide range in both price and time commitment. Furthermore, it is possible to have your teeth whitened at home or at your dentist's office. It is also possible to purchase teeth whitening strips at your local drug store.

Ad

These over-the-counter products usually include either strips that affix to the teeth or trays that fit on top of the teeth. In the case of strips, a gel with teeth bleach is usually already lined on one side of the strips. There are even strips that are designed to dissolve completely so that you don't have to remove them from your mouth once they have completed their work of whitening your teeth. In the case of the trays, there is usually a solution of teeth bleach that is to be poured or smeared into the teeth trays prior before fitting them over the teeth.

If you decide to have your teeth whitened at your dentist's office, you are likely to pay more. However, it is also likely that the results will be more precise and effective. Furthermore, you probably won't have to worry about dealing with trays or strips as your dentist will likely apply a gel including teeth bleach directly to your teeth. Your dentist may also use a special light to speed up the process.

It is also possible to whiten your teeth with mouthwash. Some mouthwash companies have developed new products that include teeth bleach and will, over time, help to decrease the appearance of enamel stains.

Discuss this Article

Once I began using the strips that dissolve in your mouth I have not used anything else. I put these in before I go to bed and don't have to worry about it.

I have found this works better for me than anything else I was using. I used to use a bleach solution and teeth bleaching trays, but found that I would get lazy and not do it.

I keep my strips right beside my bed so I remember to do it every night. I have noticed that my teeth say white longer when I do this consistently.

Before I was really hit and miss and was getting frustrated because my teeth weren't getting as white as I wanted them to.

myharleyPost 3

I also like to use the strips to whiten my teeth, and put these in on my drive to work. I know this wouldn't work for a lot of people because they like to drink coffee in the morning. I am not a coffee drinker so this is a great time to keep my strips in for 30 minutes.

I have tried more than one kind of teeth bleaching gel and strips and have found that most of them work just about the same. The key is being consistent at doing it.

It may also take longer if you have teeth that are really stained. My sister has smoked for most of her life so it took longer for her teeth to get white than it did for me.

SarahSonPost 2

I have had pretty good results with home teeth bleaching using the strips. I just buy these at the store and get in the habit of using them every day.

The easiest thing for me is to just put the strips on before I get in the shower. This way I remember to do it every day, and I am getting something else done at the same time.

I also know I won't be eating or drinking for awhile, so that works out well too. It did take me awhile to get used to having these in my mouth. Once I got used to how white my teeth were though, I didn't have a hard time doing it every day.

honeybeesPost 1

I usually have my teeth whitened at the dentist once a year. I go every 6 months for teeth cleaning, and at one of these appointments always get my teeth whitened.

I used to mess around with bleach and trays at home, but got tired of doing this all the time. When I get my teeth whitened at the dentist, this will usually last a long time. I also don't have to worry about the expense and time of doing this at home all the time.

The next time I make an appointment I am going to ask about using laser for bleaching teeth. This sounds like it would be even more effective than what he is doing now.

Post your comments

Please enter the code:

Login

Register

Make changes/additions/deletions to the article below, and one of our editors will publish your suggestions if warranted.

Optional: Explanation of your recommended changes

Thank You!

One of our editors will review your suggestion and make changes if warranted.
Note that depending on the number of suggestions we receive,
this can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Thank you for helping to improve wiseGEEK!